Erythematous mucosa in the stomach refers to a reddened or inflamed lining. This condition is a common observation during medical procedures like endoscopy, indicating underlying irritation or injury to the stomach’s protective layer.
Understanding Erythematous Mucosa
Erythematous mucosa indicates redness, resulting from increased blood flow due to inflammation. It is a descriptive finding, not a diagnosis, signifying gastritis—inflammation of the stomach lining. Medical professionals often detect this redness during an upper endoscopy, a procedure that examines the inside of the digestive system. Identifying the specific cause of this inflammation is important for effective management and treatment.
Infections and Medication-Induced Inflammation
A common cause of stomach inflammation is infection with the bacterium Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori). This bacterium colonizes the stomach lining, leading to chronic inflammation and directly irritating the mucosa. H. pylori infection is widespread, often transmitted from person to person or through contaminated food or water.
Another frequent contributor to stomach inflammation is the regular use of nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs). Medications such as ibuprofen or naproxen can damage the stomach lining by inhibiting the production of protective prostaglandins, which help maintain the stomach’s mucosal barrier. This inhibition reduces the stomach lining’s ability to resist acid, leading to irritation and inflammation. Other medications, including certain corticosteroids, chemotherapy agents, antibiotics, and iron supplements, can also irritate the gastric mucosa.
Lifestyle and Internal Factors
Excessive alcohol consumption can directly irritate and damage the stomach lining. Alcohol can disrupt the balance of substances in the stomach, increase stomach acid production, and weaken the protective barrier, making the lining more vulnerable. Even a single session of heavy drinking can cause acute inflammation, while chronic use can lead to long-term irritation.
Bile reflux occurs when bile, a digestive fluid normally found in the small intestine, flows backward into the stomach. This happens when the pyloric valve, which typically prevents bile from entering the stomach, does not close properly. The presence of bile in the stomach can disrupt the gastric mucosal barrier, causing irritation and inflammation of the stomach lining.
Prolonged or chronic stress can also contribute to or worsen stomach inflammation. Stress hormones can increase stomach acid production and reduce blood flow to the stomach lining, impairing its protective capabilities. This diminished protection makes the stomach more susceptible to damage from its own acids, potentially leading to inflammation. While not typically a primary cause, stress can exacerbate existing inflammation.
Certain dietary factors may also play a role in aggravating existing stomach inflammation, though they are rarely the sole cause. Foods that are spicy, high in fat, greasy, fried, or very acidic (like citrus fruits, coffee, and tomatoes) can irritate the stomach lining. Carbonated beverages and chocolate have also been noted to potentially worsen symptoms for some individuals.
Immune System and Systemic Diseases
Autoimmune gastritis occurs when the body’s immune system mistakenly attacks healthy cells within its own stomach lining. This immune response leads to chronic inflammation and can wear away the stomach’s protective barrier. This condition can result in the destruction of cells that produce digestive juices and may affect the absorption of certain vitamins.
Crohn’s disease, an inflammatory bowel disease, primarily affects the intestines but can also cause inflammation in the stomach lining. This chronic condition involves the immune system inappropriately attacking parts of the digestive tract, leading to inflammation and irritation. While less common in the stomach, when it does occur, it is known as gastroduodenal Crohn’s disease.
Other systemic conditions can also manifest as stomach inflammation. Rare diseases such as sarcoidosis, uremia, and certain viral or fungal infections can lead to erythematous mucosa in the stomach. These broader health issues can impact the stomach’s health as a part of their systemic effects on the body.